דָּלַג
𐤃𐤋𐤂
dâlag
H1801 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To leap, spring, or bound—referring to a sudden, forceful movement such as jumping or vaulting over an object. Also metaphorically used to describe movement that overcomes obstacles with agility or speed. In certain poetic or figurative contexts, the word can connote exuberance or energetic action.
Semantic Range
to leap, spring, bound, vault over, move nimbly, move rapidly (esp. over an obstacle), figurative exuberance or energetic action
Root / Etymology
The root דלג is a primitive Hebrew root whose core meaning is 'to leap' or 'to spring.' The verb דָּלַג directly expresses physical leaping. It is not etymologically connected with similar words for walking or running, but specifically denotes a jumping motion.
Historical & Contextual Notes
דָּלַג appears rarely in the Hebrew Bible, notably in poetic passages such as the Song of Songs (2:8; 2:9), where it describes swift and agile movement—either literal (as an animal leaping) or as a metaphor for energetic arrival or love's approach. The term is distinct from other verbs for locomotion such as רוץ ('to run') or פסע ('to stride'), emphasizing the dynamic, bounding quality of the movement. Later translations (including the Septuagint and Vulgate) typically render it as terms meaning 'leap' or 'spring,' which accurately preserves its original force. English translations often maintain the imagery of leaping to reflect both literal and metaphorical senses. Unlike verbs associated with encumbrance or plodding, דָּלַג always retains a sense of lightness and facility. There is no evidence for the term being used for ritual or cultic actions.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to spring; leap.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
דלג (d-l-g) — to leap, spring, bound
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1801-01 |
אֲדַלֶּג | adaleg | HVpi1cs |
I can leap | I will leap | 2 |
H1801-02 |
הַ/דּוֹלֵ֛ג | hadoleg | HTd/Vqrmsa |
who leaps over | the leaping one | 1 |
H1801-03 |
מְדַלֵּג֙ | medaleg | HVprmsa |
leaping | the bounding one | 1 |
H1801-04 |
יְדַלֵּ֤ג | yedaleg | HVpi3ms |
will leap | he will bound | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1801-01 |
2 Samuel 22:30 | אֲדַלֶּג | adaleg | HVpi1cs |
I can leap | I will leap |
H1801-04 |
Isaiah 35:6 | יְדַלֵּ֤ג | yedaleg | HVpi3ms |
will leap | he will bound |
H1801-02 |
Zephaniah 1:9 | הַ/דּוֹלֵ֛ג | hadoleg | HTd/Vqrmsa |
who leaps over | the leaping one |
H1801-01 |
Psalms 18:30 | אֲדַלֶּג | adaleg | HVpi1cs |
I scale | I will leap |
H1801-03 |
Song of Songs 2:8 | מְדַלֵּג֙ | medaleg | HVprmsa |
leaping | the bounding one |